Kuvite

Kuvite is a rare and unique mineral discovered in 1977 in the Kola Peninsula, Russia. It is named after the Kuvashovite mine, where it was first found. Kuvite is a complex oxide mineral with the chemical formula (Na,Ca)2(Mn,Fe)2Ti3O9. It is typically found in association with other titanium-rich minerals such as ilmenite and rutile.

Kuvite crystallizes in the trigonal crystal system and forms prismatic crystals that are often twinned. It has a hardness of approximately 5.5 on the Mohs scale and a specific gravity of around 4.0. The mineral exhibits a brownish-black color with a metallic luster, and its crystals can be found in small, compact aggregates.

The mineral's structure is characterized by a complex arrangement of sodium, calcium, manganese, iron, and titanium atoms. This structure contributes to kuvite's unique physical and chemical properties. Despite its rarity, kuvite is of interest to mineralogists and geologists due to its distinctive composition and crystal structure.

Kuvite is not known to have any significant industrial applications, but its study contributes to the broader understanding of mineralogy and geochemistry. The mineral's occurrence in specific geological settings provides insights into the processes that form and alter rocks in the Earth's crust.